World Cup 2023: Major blow for Australia as Pat Cummins likely to miss IND ODIs due to suspected broken wrist

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In a major blow for Australia, their captain Pat Cummins could very well miss the 3-match ODI series against India just ahead of the World Cup 2023 which starts from October 5, due to a suspected broken wrist.

Reports are coming out that the gun pacer played the fifth and final Ashes 2023 against England at The Oval in London with a broken wrist. Cricket Australia is yet to reveal the details of Cummins' injured left wrist. With the ODI series starting on September 22, an official update is expected soon.

"Two sources with knowledge of the matter but not authorised to speak publicly say medical staff have not ruled out a possible fracture," Sydney Morning Herald has reported.

The 30-year-old, who took a break from cricket to be with his ailing mother during the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023 earlier this year, had injured his wrist on the opening day of the final Ashes Test at the Oval last week. He had played the remainder of the Test with a heavily-strapped wrist, and while the injury did not appear to impede Cummins' bowling, the skipper's discomfort while batting was evident.

Notably, Cummins returned to play cricket for the first time after February and featured in each of his side’s six Test matches in England including the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India which his side won by 209 runs in early June. Australia managed to retain the Ashes urn but had to settle for a 2-2 draw with England.

CA is likely to announce the squads for Australia's upcoming white-ball assignments, that includes the tour of South Africa and India, next week.

Mitchell Marsh is expected to lead in Cummins' absence. The all-rounder is also in contention to be named Australia's T20 skipper. Star batter Steve Smith had captained Australia in Cummins' absence in India earlier this year during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023.

Australia are scheduled to play three T20Is and five ODIs against South Africa, starting August 30, following which they will travel to India for the ODIs.